James McTeigue to Helm Bloodsport Remake

V For Vendetta and The Raven helmer James McTeigue is set to direct a remake of the 1988 martial arts film Bloodsport. Variety reports that Relativity has plans to shoot the new take in both Australia and Rio de Janeiro.

Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in the original film as American Frank Dux, a Ninjustu expert invited to participate in a deadly martial arts tournament called the Kumite. The new film is said to explore Brazil’s Vale Tudo fighting style.

Robert Mark Kamen (Taken) is providing the screenplay for the new version, which will be produced by Chris Brown, Alberto Lensi and Edward R. Pressman. The lengthy list of executive producers includes Daniel Bernhardt, Mark DiSalle, Heidi Eckes-Chantre, Jon Katz, Ryan Kavanaugh, Jeremy Thomas, Brett Thornquest and Tucker Tooley.

The original Bloodsport received three direct-to-video sequels, 1996’s Bloodspot II: The Next Kumite, 1997’s Bloodsport III and 1999’s Bloodsport 4: The Dark Kumite.